Editorial: A chance to help in battle against cancer

August 9, 2012

The "it" we refer to is cancer. Having attended two funerals in less than a week for cancer victims recently, enough is enough.

Northeast Michigan residents have an opportunity to stand up and fight back against cancer this weekend by participating in a new national survey. The survey requires a commitment on your part that every year in the next 20 to 30 years, you will take a survey and spend 30 minutes or so having basic physical measurements taken, and blood drawn. You must be between 30 and 65 to participate.

The survey is part of a national one being compiled by the American Cancer Society, and is the fourth in a series that began in the 1950s that studies factors that could lead to cancer. Hopefully by understanding cancer, and the causes leading to the formation of it, doctors and scientists can more quickly develop strategies to combat it.

Make no mistake about it, this is a tremendous opportunity for local residents to make a difference in the fight against cancer. By participating, you will be joining with others across the United States to give researchers valuable information in their quest to one day eradicate the disease.

If you're interested in assisting, show up between 1-5 p.m. at the Relay for Life Saturday at the Alpena County Fairgrounds and locate the Cancer Study Prevention 3 registration area.

Area residents have a unique opportunity to become proactive in this important battle against cancer.